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BBC Musical Terms Glossary

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-07-08T10:23:18+01:00

Continuing with my recent theme of glorifying the BBC, I thought I would drop in a link to the Beeb’s glossary of musical terms. Obviously there is no replacement for a good musical dictionary, but this glossary features entries for contemporary terms which some dictionaries may overlook.

For your grade exam, you might want to know how to define a backbeat or describe where where jazz comes from. For your band, you might wonder: what does a producer actually do, or what does ‘A&R’ even mean? While the glossary certainly won’t tell you everything, it’s a good starting point.

View the BBC Radio Two Music Glossary Here.

BBC Introducing Drums Masterclass

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-07-05T13:50:32+01:00

The BBC continues to offer remarkable value for the license fee with the relatively new service BBC Introducing. In this question-and-answer presentation, session legend Andy Gangadeen talks about his experiences as a touring and performing drummer. Andy is well known for his samples and live loops, mixing acoustic and electric sounds on stage. Accordingly, this BBC introduction gives a real insight into modern playing styles making for essential viewing for anyone who enjoys this style of performance. Andy discusses the merits and shortcomings of notation, modern production styles and how to make a living from music. Take note.

Electric Drum Kits

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-06-29T10:54:30+01:00

In recent years, the standard of electronic drum kits has improved drastically, offering ever more authentic sounds and ‘feel’. Accordingly, one of the questions I am most often asked in connection with buying drum equipment is ‘Should I buy an electric or an acoustic drum kit?’. This is a classic dilemma for anyone buying their first drum kit, with drum shops in South Wales and further afield invariably offering tempting a selection of both.

Drum Lessons throughout South Wales

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-06-06T08:39:58+01:00

The top quality facilities at the Cardiff drum studio are by no means its only attraction. The convenient location of the teaching space makes it the perfect choice for anyone looking for drum lessons in Bridgend, Maesteg, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Barry, Rhoose, Llantwit Major, Cowbridge and throughout South Wales. Served by the X2 bus route, and within a minute's drive of the M4, A48, A4232 and A4050 highways, the studio's location is convenient not only for Cardiff-based students but also for those travelling from further afield. There is plenty of secure, off-road parking and easy access to local shops, supermarkets and restaurants.

One of My Favourites

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-26T11:04:04+01:00

There’s no lesson or lecture attached to this one - I just thought I would share some footage of one of my favourite drummers, Felix Lehrmann. Happily enough, he’s playing some of my favourite cymbals, so sit back and enjoy.

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Why Technique?

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-25T15:18:32+01:00

For many drummers, the temptation is to get on the kit and hit stuff ... hard! There is certainly a place for freeform practice and jamming, but lessons will show the importance of technique and discipline: i.e. the boring stuff. While preserving the fun elements of playing and performing, our lessons will cover a range of exercises for daily practice which will steadily make you a much better, more confident and more well-rounded drummer.

If you don’t learn technique, and skip over the more ‘worky’ aspects of practice, are you doomed to being rubbish? No, of course not. But will you fulfill your potential? Not at all. To find out what discipline and technique look like, view the below video of Buddy Rich. Buddy was and is widely considered to be the greatest drummer of all time. Why? Because he was a technique machine. Well into his eighties, Buddy would outplay and outclass drummers half his age with dazzling handspeed, phenomenal dynamic control and implausible mechanics around the kit.

Think you’ve got a mean single-stroke roll? Well check this one out.

Glad I’m not the conductor!

Improvisation Lesson

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-25T10:34:56+01:00

One of the hardest skills to master as a drummer is improvisation. Crucially, improvisation should be more than simply ‘busking’, which often connotes playing other people’s ideas, either from memory or by musical instinct. Improvisation is about your own ideas, and how you can develop them in real time and in performance contexts. One of the world’s foremost drummers, Benny Greb, explains his own approach to improvisation in the below video. Throughout his tutorials, Greb likens music to a spoken language, in which we each must increase our native fluency. Improvisation, then, begins with an awareness of what is said and what is meant.

Benny Greb’s DVD ‘The Language of Drumming’ is considered one of the best instructional music videos of all time.

The Free Trial Lesson

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-18T10:52:54+01:00

The trial lesson is absolutely free of charge, giving you the opportunity to ‘test the water’. Every teacher is different, and it is really important that you choose the right teacher for you. The trial lesson gives you a ‘no strings’ opportunity to decide whether I can offer the style of teaching which will get the best out of you as a drummer and a student.

eBrochure

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-17T13:29:53+01:00

If you are thinking about beginning lessons, don’t forget to check out the new eBrochure. This should answer any questions you may have, as well as outlining my pupil protection policies and offering directions to the new studio.

Should I take drum grades?

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-17T13:07:54+01:00

A lot of people ask whether they should take grades when they learn to play drums. The simple answer is that everyone learns differently and has different goals, so it is really up to you. When I was first learning to play drums, I decided not to take grades, but later felt that I had missed out on a lot of the benefits associated with modulated learning.

New Studio

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-17T12:58:49+01:00

As of May 2011 we have a new drum studio. This space is really exciting, providing the best music tuition in space in Cardiff - with two top-quality acoustic drum kits, an in-house PA system, practice pads and a library of essential learning materials. To find out more about the new studio space, view the Cardiff Drum Teaching Studio page, or book a trial lesson today.

New Site Online!

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-17T12:49:02+01:00

Thanks for visiting the new Cardiff drum lessons website! This page will offer an online advice blog for my students, and for the wider public. Keep tuned in for updates in the near future. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the new online drum lessons eBrochure which will tell you all you need to know about drum lessons in Cardiff.

Advice for Beginners

daniel@danielpressley.co.uk — 2011-05-17T12:32:21+01:00

This page offers advice to anyone who is considering taking drum lessons. If you have any further questions, you can consult the FAQ or contact me.